Approaching mathematical problems with AI

A useful way to think about AI when approaching mathematical problems is that AI should support your thinking, not do the thinking for you.

Productive prompting strategies

StrategyAI prompt
Ask for hints“Give me a hint but not the full answer.”
Ask for the next step only“Show only the next step and explain why.”
Ask for explanations“Why does this method work here?”
Ask about errors“Where did my working first go wrong?”
Ask for simpler language“Explain this as if I’m new to the topic.”

Academic integrity

When using AI in your maths studies, always follow your unit guide, assessment instructions and the University’s policies on AI use.

Generally appropriate usesInappropriate uses
  • Explaining concepts
  • Revising content
  • Generating practice questions
  • Receiving hints
  • Checking understanding
  • Submitting AI-generated solutions as your own
  • Using AI during restricted assessments
  • Copying without understanding
  • Outsourcing reasoning or interpretation when not permitted

AI can either deepen understanding or weaken learning habits. The difference usually depends on how it is used.

The most effective students typically use AI:

  • to support curiosity,
  • clarify confusion,
  • and strengthen independent learning – not to avoid thinking.

Note

A good rule to remember is:

If you cannot explain the solution afterward, the AI probably did too much of the thinking for you.

Taking it further